Majoring in early childhood education allows students to take courses that provide a strong foundation in child development, family studies, and early childhood education. A career in early childhood can be very rewarding, providing the opportunity to influence and shape the lives of young children and their families. Early childhood education programs equip future teachers with the skills needed to create an effective learning environment that supports and engages learners throughout school and beyond.
Education: Early Education (PreK – 4)
WHY STUDY EARLY EDUCATION AT CHC?
Our Early Education program is designed with 21st century teaching and learning in mind and built on a tradition of excellence that dates to 1924 when Chestnut Hill College was founded by the Sisters of Saint Joseph.
CHC’s programs are accredited through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and governed by the General Standards of Chapter 354 of the Pennsylvania Code. All Teacher Education majors must be aware of specific PDE course requirements throughout their program of study. Students must pass required state assessments for teacher certification.
Chestnut Hill College’s Early Education and Special Education programs are designed to create a choice of programs that meet the interests of our students. These programs are in line with the guidelines established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. All programs integrate theory and practice regarding the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of young children in grades PK-4, as well as students in grades PK-12 with disabilities.
Across the nation, teachers who have been teaching for 25 years or more are retiring from the profession. Since 2010, this mass retirement has opened more than 10,000 new teaching positions per year. New teachers can choose from a variety of classroom settings that match their background, college preparation, and particular philosophies.
Positions are currently available in the following settings:
- Private schools which offer specialized curricular, usually connected to a specific philosophy
- Parochial schools which offer specialized curricular woven with specific faith teachings
- Public schools, including Charter schools which offer curricula aligned to state and national standards, with many varieties of organizational structures
Kappa Delta Epsilon
Kappa Delta Epsilon is an honorary professional society, the purpose of which is to promote the cause of Education by fostering a spirit of fellowship, high standards of scholastic attainment, service, and professional ideals among its members. Requirements include an overall GPA of 3.00 or higher, Junior status, and formal acceptance into the Education Department. Eligible students must be approved by the Department.
Council for Exceptional Children
Membership in the Council for Exceptional Children is open to all Education majors and minors. The Council provides students with opportunities to become knowledgeable with the latest research on the educational needs of children with disabilities, to foster a spirit of educational fellowship and to provide service to students, schools, and organizations working in the areas of special education.
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Lauren M. Barrow, Ph.D.
Chair, Center for Education, Advocacy & Social Justice Associate Professor of Criminal Justice
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Marie Leahy, SSJ, Ed.D.
Chair, Undergraduate Education Associate Professor of Education
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Father Robert Mulligan, OSFS
Chaplain
Assistant Professor of Education -
Leonard Spearing, Ph.D
Assistant Professor of Education